Fishmongers' Lane

Fish were a staple of many ancient diets, and methods of fishing have changed relatively little over the centuries since then. Spearfishing, hook-and-line and nets date back to the Stone Age, and could support large communities. Cast nets were commonly used at coastal outcrops. Circular in shape, they were weighted with stones around the edge, and had a drawstring that allowed the full net to be closed and hauled in. A complete contrast, in terms of effort expended, was trapping: common types included woven baskets or nets for seafood, or fish weirs that made use of tidal and river currents.